ADOPTION  ●  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

           

  1.   How can adoption be a good choice for my baby and me?

  2.   Can I place my baby with a family of my choice?

  3.   How much contact can I have with my baby after birth and adoption?

  4.   How soon after birth can my baby go to the parents I choose?

  5.   How much will my child know about me?

  6.   Does the birth father have any rights?

  7.   Will my child have information on his/her birth father?

  8.   Can my child find me if he/she wants to search someday?

  9.   How can I be sure my child will not be abused or neglected?

10.   Do I need an attorney?

 

 

 

 

1.  How can adoption be a good choice for my baby and me?

If you are not ready to be a parent, you can still give your baby the gift of life and choose adoption. You can plan your baby's future by selecting a stable, loving family to care for your baby and be proud of your decision. At birth you can see your baby. If you so choose, you can get updates and visit your child while you continue your education and career goals if you have an open adoption plan. Finally, you avoid the trauma and heartache of abortion.   Back to top

2.   Can I place my baby with a family of my choice?

YES! With most agencies or adoption attorneys you can choose a family friend, acquaintance, or someone who has been recommended to you even in another state. Or you can choose from applicants screened by your adoption agency/adoption attorney who have been waiting to become parents. Back to top

3.  How much contact can I have with my baby after birth and adoption?

Adoption plans have become very creative. You may have as much contact with your baby at the hospital as is comfortable for you. You can choose an open adoption that allows ongoing visits, or you can choose a less open adoption where your updates come through letters and pictures arranged through your agency/attorney. Adoptive families respect your need to know your child is well cared for. Back to top

4.  How soon after birth can my baby go to the parents I choose?

This depends on:      •  Your choice of when this should happen      •  The legal aspects of the adoption      •  The cooperation of the birth father Many birth mothers want their baby placed by the time they leave the hospital. Some prefer to place their baby in interim care while they think through their adoption decision. Back to top

5.  How much will my child know about me?

We encourage you to pass on medical and social history to your child. You may choose to share your identity and where you live with the adoptive family. Or, if you have an open adoption, your child and adoptive family can have ongoing access to you and what's happening in your life. Back to top

6.   Does the birth father have any rights?

The birth father's rights are equal to those of the birth mother.  If birth parents disagree on adoption, or no longer have a relationship with each other, your agency/attorney will work with the court to determine if rights can be terminated. Back to top

7.  Will my child have any information about his/her birth father?

This depends on a birth father's cooperation with you and the adoption agency. Some birth fathers give full social and medical history, realizing how important it is for your child to have this. At other times, only the information you give will be passed on. Back to top

8.  Can my child find me if he/she wants to search someday?

At the time of the adoption, you can choose to have an open file to your child. If you do, he/she will have access to your identity and your agency will assist in the search. If you choose a closed adoption, your identity will remain anonymous. Back to top

9.  How can I be sure my child will not be abused or neglected?

Adoptive families approved by an agency must meet standards that will be shared with you. In an open adoption you will see for yourself how well your child is valued and cared for. Back to top

10.   Do I need an attorney?

You do not need an attorney and there are usually no costs to you. Your adoption agency handles all legal details on your behalf. Most important, your agency knows your decision was not an easy one to make and will continue to be available to you if you so choose. If you choose to use the services of an adoption attorney, in most cases, the adoptive family pays all fees. Back to top

Source: Bethany Christian Services, Copyright 1994 For more information on adoption contact:  Bethany Christian Services